Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Limited, Aero Division- Bristol/S.N.E.C.M.A. Olympus 593 Series Turbojet Engines

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 178 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49278-49280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24403]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-07-AD; Amendment 39-10753; AD 98-19-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Limited, Aero Division-
Bristol/S.N.E.C.M.A. Olympus 593 Series Turbojet Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to Rolls-Royce Limited, Aero Division-Bristol/
S.N.E.C.M.A. Olympus 593 series turbojet engines. This action requires 
initial and repetitive X-ray and ultrasonic inspections of exhaust 
diffuser vanes for corrosion and cracks, and, if necessary, removal 
from service of cracked exhaust diffusers and replacement with 
serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by reports of 17 turbine 
exhaust diffuser modules with one or more exhaust diffuser vanes 
cracked. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
exhaust diffuser vane failure, which could result in an adverse effect 
on the engine oil and reheat systems, possibly causing an inflight 
engine shutdown or damage to the aircraft.

DATES: Effective September 30, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 30, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 16, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-07-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected]''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain 
the docket number in the subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Rolls-Royce, PO Box 3, Filton, Bristol BS12 7QE, England; telephone 01-
17-979-1234, fax 01-17-979-7575. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-
7747, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), recently 
notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that an unsafe 
condition may exist on Rolls-Royce Limited, (R-R)Aero Division-Bristol/
S.N.E.C.M.A. Olympus 593 Mk. 610-14-28 turbojet engines. The CAA 
advises that they have received reports of 17 turbine exhaust diffuser 
modules containing at least one cracked exhaust diffuser vane. In some

[[Page 49279]]

cases the exhaust diffuser vanes peeled back due to vane leading edge 
cracking. If the exhaust diffuser vanes peel back, they can possibly 
expose the engine oil and reheat systems imbedded inside the exhaust 
diffuser vane and result in bearing sump damage. There are currently no 
affected engines operated on aircraft of U.S. registry. This AD, then, 
is necessary to require accomplishment of the required actions for 
engines installed on aircraft currently of foreign registry that may 
someday be imported into the U.S. Accordingly, the FAA has determined 
that notice and prior opportunity for comment are unnecessary and good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in exhaust diffuser vane 
failure, which could result in an adverse effect on the engine oil and 
reheat systems, possibly causing an inflight engine shutdown or damage 
to the aircraft.
    R-R has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. OL.593-72-9042-422, 
Revision 1, dated May 23, 1997, that specifies procedures for X-ray 
inspections of exhaust diffuser vanes for cracks and corrosion, and if 
found cracked, removal from service of the exhaust diffuser and 
replacement with a serviceable part. In addition, R-R has issued SB No. 
OL.593-72-9047-423, dated January 31, 1997, that specifies procedures 
for ultrasonic inspections of corroded exhaust diffuser vanes for 
leading edge cracks, and if the exhaust diffuser fails inspection, 
removal from service of the exhaust diffuser and replacement with a 
serviceable part. The CAA classified these SBs as mandatory and issued 
ADs 005-01-97 and 006-01-97 in order to assure the airworthiness of 
these engines in the UK.
    This engine model is manufactured in the UK and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design registered in 
the United States, the AD requires initial and repetitive X-ray and 
ultrasonic inspections of exhaust diffuser vanes for cracks and 
corrosion, and, if necessary, removal from service of the exhaust 
diffuser and replacement with a serviceable part. The actions would be 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the SBs described 
previously.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-ANE-07-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-19-11 Rolls-Royce Limited, Aero Division-Bristol/S.N.E.C.M.A.: 
Amendment 39-10753. Docket 98-ANE-07-AD.

    Applicability: Rolls-Royce Limited, (R-R)Aero Division-Bristol/
S.N.E.C.M.A. Olympus 593 Mk. 610-14-28 turbojet engines, installed 
on but not limited to British Aerospace/Aerospatiale Concorde series 
aircraft.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of 
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification,

[[Page 49280]]

alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request 
should include specific proposed actions to address it.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent an exhaust diffuser vane failure, which could result 
in an adverse effect on the engine oil and reheat systems, possibly 
causing an inflight engine shutdown or damage to the aircraft, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Perform initial and repetitive X-ray inspections of exhaust 
diffuser vanes for cracks and corrosion, in accordance with R-R/
S.N.E.C.M.A. Service Bulletin (SB) No. OL.593-72-9042-422, Revision 
1, dated May 23, 1997, as follows:
    (1) Perform the initial inspection at the first module exposure 
after accumulating 5,000 hours time since new (TSN).
    (2) Thereafter, perform inspections at every module exposure, or 
2,000 hours time in service (TIS) since last X-ray inspection, 
whichever occurs later.
    (3) If an exhaust diffuser vane is found cracked, remove the 
exhaust diffuser from service and replace with a serviceable part.
    (4) If any evidence of corrosion is found, perform an ultrasonic 
inspection for cracks in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (b) Perform initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections for 
corrosion in the exhaust diffuser vanes in accordance with R-R/
S.N.E.C.M.A. SB No. OL.593-72-9047-423, dated January 31, 1997, as 
follows:
    (1) Perform the initial inspection no later than 1,000 hours TIS 
since last X-ray inspection in accordance with paragraph (a) of this 
AD if no cracks are detected but corrosion is found.
    (2) Thereafter, perform inspections at intervals not to exceed 
250 hours TIS since last ultrasonic inspection, or 1,000 hours TIS 
since an X-ray inspection that discovered no cracks, whichever 
occurs later.
    (3) If cracking is found, remove the exhaust diffuser from 
service and replace with a serviceable part.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The actions required by this AD shall be performed in 
accordance with the following R-R SBs:

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             Document No.                        Pages                 Revision                   Date          
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OL.593-72-9042-422....................  1-5...................  1.....................  May 23, 1997.           
      Total pages: 5..................                                                                          
OL.593-72-9047-423....................  1-7...................  Original..............  January 31, 1997.       
      Total pages: 7..................                                                                          
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    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Rolls-Royce, PO Box 3, Filton, 
Bristol BS12 7QE, England; telephone 01-17-979-1234, fax 01-17-979-
7575. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 30, 1998.

    Issued in Burlington, Mass., on September 3, 1998.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-24403 Filed 9-14-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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